By AZE.US
A visit by European diplomats, including the French ambassador, to Khankendi and Shusha reflects a significant shift in international attitudes toward the South Caucasus, according to Azerbaijani political analyst Ilgar Velizade.
Velizade, who heads the South Caucasus Political Scientists Club, made the remarks in an interview with Echo Baku, AZE.US reports.
He said the changes taking place in Karabakh can no longer be ignored. They include not only the construction of housing, roads and other infrastructure but also the international community’s growing recognition of the political realities that emerged after the conflict.
“Several years ago, French diplomats said they would not visit these territories. Today, both the rhetoric of the French leadership and the conduct of its diplomatic corps have changed,” Velizade said.
The analyst argued that Paris’ changing position is driven primarily by pragmatic interests. European countries are seeking opportunities to participate in the region’s reconstruction, energy and infrastructure projects.
According to Velizade, foreign players are already competing to establish an economic presence in the South Caucasus.
“Leading European countries are interested in the region’s transformation. Each wants to secure its presence here – whether by building a power plant, joining infrastructure projects or occupying another economic niche,” he said.
Velizade added that France risked being left behind if it continued to follow its previous policy. Maintaining the old rhetoric has become increasingly difficult as Yerevan itself promotes a peace agenda and normalization with Baku, he said.
The analyst said the shift also demonstrates that international support is usually determined by changing national interests rather than permanent political loyalties.
“Political interests change, and countries adjust to new circumstances. No one should assume that another state will continue supporting one side regardless of how the situation develops,” Velizade concluded.
AZE.US